Malaysian-made locomotives on the way to Africa

PETALING JAYA: The first three locomotives built in Malaysia for export are now on their way to Tanzania, marking the maiden export of these products.

The first batch from SMH Rail Sdn Bhd’s H10 Series was loaded onto a cargo ship at Port Klang yesterday to be delivered to Tanzania Railways Corporation in a journey that is expected to take two weeks.

“This defining moment recognises SMH Rail’s capability as the first Malaysian rolling stock manufacturer to export locomotives to the global market,” SMH Rail chairman and managing director Datuk PK Nara said in a statement.

Launched in August, the H10 Series diesel locomotives were built by SMH Rail with Exim Bank funding for use by African freight operators, with Tanzania Railways Corporation as its maiden customer.“Energy-efficient and eco-designed, the H10 Series diesel-electric locomotives will meet the Tanzanian government railroad’s operational needs through seamless connectivity and enhanced accessibility.

“We are proud to hand over the first batch of the H10 Series locomotives to our partner, Tanzania Railways Corporation, and we are confident that these locomotives will bring positive enhancements to the African rail cargo industry,” said Nara, adding that the development augured well for Malaysia’s rail industry ecosystem.

Based near Rawang, Selangor, SMH Rail is a Malaysian rolling stock manufacturer and maintenance, repair and overhaul service provider with a presence in over 20 countries.

It has more than two decades of experience in providing rail engineering solutions to rail operators regionally and globally.

Its successful manufacturing of the H10 locomotive is now listed in the Malaysia Book of Records as the “First Locally Manufactured Locomotive for Export”.